In a shocking turn of events, Hollywood actor Ashton Kutcher has announced his resignation as chairman of the board at Thorn, the anti-child sex abuse organization he co-founded in 2012. This decision comes as a result of the controversy surrounding a letter of support Kutcher wrote for fellow actor Danny Masterson, who was recently convicted of raping two women.
Key Takeaway
Ashton Kutcher has resigned as chairman of the board at Thorn, the anti-child sex abuse organization he co-founded, due to public outrage over his letters of support for Danny Masterson, who was convicted of rape. Kutcher expresses remorse, apologizes to sexual assault victims, and emphasizes the importance of the organization’s mission.
A Departure Amidst Public Outrage
The backlash against Kutcher and his ex-wife Demi Moore, who also served on Thorn’s board of directors as an observer, has been intense. The letters they wrote to the judge who sentenced Masterson were intended to provide insight into his character, but instead, they ignited a firestorm of criticism.
Kutcher’s resignation letter, obtained by TIME, expresses remorse for his actions. He acknowledges the pain caused to victims of sexual abuse and admits that his character statement further questioned their bravery in coming forward. He has made the difficult decision to step down from his position to prevent further distraction from the organization’s important work.
A Humble Apology
In addition to his resignation, Kutcher offers a heartfelt apology to all victims of sexual violence, as well as to the dedicated individuals at Thorn who were hurt by his misguided actions. He emphasizes that the organization’s mission should always be the priority and expresses deep regret for letting down sexual assault victims and other advocates.
Facing the Consequences
Kutcher’s defense of Masterson has put his previous advocacy work under scrutiny. His passionate speech before Congress, where he advocated for the protection of abuse victims, is now being questioned in light of his actions. Despite issuing a video apology alongside his wife Mila Kunis, the online criticism continues unabated.
